In 2012, 962 bicycles worth an estimated $290,000 combined were reported stolen in New Orleans, according to the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge. That fact is prompting the FOP as well as local nonprofit Bike Easy to host an event Saturday where they will allow both children and adults to register their bicycles with the New Orleans Police Department for free.

Registering bicycles with the city is not only required by a municipal ordinance, but it also helps police track down owners of bicycles that are stolen and subsequently recovered, FOP spokesman Raymond Burkart III said. Burkart added, "It's a good thing to (do) in case you lose your bike."

FOP and Bike Easy are scheduled to hold their "Bicycle Registration and Safe Rider Course" at the NOPD's 3rd District station, 4650 Paris Ave., on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. FOP will pay attendants' bicycle registration costs, and Bike Easy will provide instructors for the Safe Rider safety course. National Crime Prevention Council mascot McGruff the Crime Dog will show up and be available for photographs.

The local Fraternal Order of Police Lodge as well as local nonprofit Bike Easy will host an event Saturday where they will allow both children and adults to register their bicycles with the New Orleans Police Departmentâs bicycle unit for free.Chris Granger, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune

Typically, there is a $3 fee to register any bike purchased for at least $100 and with a wheel size of 20 inches or larger. All bicycles ridden on city streets must be registered, though owners of bikes bought for less than $100 are exempt from the fees. Shops often register bicycles when they are sold and turn the paperwork and fees over to police.